I don't know if she was "overly conscious" of being a woman, but she certainly down-played, even rejected the fact that she was female, and wanted to be considered a man so that she could legitimately be Pharaoh. Not only did she have more claim to the throne--she was the daughter of a king, the wife of a king--with a more pure royal line than her step-son/nephew, she emphasized her conception from a god, who told her mother she would rule. All in all, she must have been quite a woman! Her rule was one of the most peaceful, productive eras in Egyptian history.

Isn't it wonderful then that a woman who so long ago took the reins of power and executed her duties in the most striking manner? History must do more to honour the memory of Hatshepsut!
Thanks for your inputs Osiris II _________________Amarna

Hatshepsut was definitly proud of herself as a female Pharaoh. She was a strong and independent woman who had the characteristics of a true Pharaoh. And not only that, but she also urged her daughter to follow her steps as a ruler so that the tradition would continue.
I personally think that was also the reason why Tutmosis III erased Hatshepsut from Egyptian history and replaced her images with his own - not just because of a smooth transition and propaganda, but also because she was a female.